TTC shuns subway line shutdown

The Toronto Transit Commission has dismissed a proposal to close a portion of its subway system for a two-month stretch next year to implement overdue repairs.

Local media first reported the proposal in early October, noting the subway right-of-way in question included track that had not seen significant repair or upgrading in 60 years.

But a memo from TTC CEO Andy Byford addressed to the TTC board Friday, Nov. 15, 2013, said the proposal would require 250 new buses and 400 bus operators to provide substitute service between St. Clair and Eglinton stations, which Byford deems is not feasible.

"Our engineers are working hard to devise a plan that will allow us to do this work with a minimal amount of disruption to TTC customers, city residents, businesses and motorists," Byford said.

The right-of-way requires extensive repair to its drainage and signal systems, among other items, with speed restrictions already in place. But TTC instead will seek begin a maintenance program to lift speed restrictions and upgrade support items before the Pan Am Games are held in 2015.

Service on TTC's Yonge-University-Spadina Line also has been affected by the installation of Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) . TTC awarded Alstom a C$56.2 million (US$47.5 million) contract in 2009 to install Alstom's Urbalis™ CBTC product, overlaying TTC's existing train control system.